Hike Of The Month: Red Top Mountain State Park | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Hike Of The Month: Red Top Mountain State Park

It's hot, there's no denying that, so why not take to the trails around Lake Allatoona this month?

39
Hike Of The Month: Red Top Mountain State Park
Jenna McLoughlin

Hiking in July is difficult in most parts of the United States, but here in the South it is not uncommon for the air to be thick with dripping humidity and a virtual utopia for bloodsucking vermin (mosquitoes, ticks, biting midges and a plethora of others tend to harass hikers and campers alike so wear a natural bug deterrent). When the weather is suffocating, the number of average hikers tends to dwindle. However, this is the perfect opportunity to hit the trails near a body of water! There are fewer people, and you can jump directly into the refreshing waters fully clothed, pack still on if you'd like after your trek (yeah maybe don't do that).

This month’s hike boasts both the lovely Lake Allatoona and the Etowah River! Yay!

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." - John Muir

Red Top Mountain State Park, named after the native red clay surrounding the area, provides over 15 miles of forest-covered trails for those looking to venture into the woods. This includes the recent and exciting addition of the Iron Hill bike trail (named for the considerable iron mining community back in the mid 1800s), which is a 3.9 mile loop open to both hikers and bikers.

If you're looking to spend a few hours wandering through the surrounding forest, consider hiking the Homestead trail. The 5.5 mile loop takes you through the shaded wilderness and rims of Allatoona's shore for a large portion of the trail. While hiking, keep an eye out for native flora and fauna (we caught a glimpse of two speckled fawns)!

Due to the excessive precipitation Georgia has received during the season, many trees had uprooted and collapsed onto the path, so be sure to ask other hikers how the trail conditions are. In many cases, this is the most accurate way to get updated trail conditions.

I would discourage drinking or wading into any of the stagnant water outside the lake, as this is leakage from a nearby wastewater treatment plant. Signs can be spotted along the loop warning individuals about tainted water. This is an unfortunate blemish, a stark reminder of our effect on the surrounding environment. There appears to be no attempt by the plant to mend the leak.

Whether you come to Red Top Mountain to hike or enjoy a weekend of camping, this beautiful park tends to bring visitors back again and again (it's one of the most popular state parks in Georgia). The park hosts a number of events (great for all ages) including: campfire stories, star gazing, crafts, kayaking, archery and Junior Ranger programs.

Friday, July 21, there are two activities you don't want to miss: Campfire stories from 8 to 9 p.m. and the Stars of Red Top (stargazing) from 9 to 10:30 p.m.

Be sure to dress appropriately for the warm season (include bug spray, shorts, a rain jacket and waterproof shoes), bring water, a few snacks and as always hikers, leave no trace!

I'll see you on the trails!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

14 Thoughts Every College Student Has During Winter Break

The most common: "Is it time to go back to school yet?"

1641
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

3746
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

5953
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

3778
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments